Akon Live in South Africa

Grammy-nominated superstar Akon will arrive in South Africa on 3 June with a mission to discourage human trafficking ahead of the Soccer World Cup. The R&B crowd puller has also confirmed his 5 June performance at The Arena, Grand West in Cape Town.

That’s according to event sponsors US-based Cintron Liquid Energy and local social responsibility partner, The Trust. Akon’s views on human trafficking are well-known with the performer regularly expressing his disgust at the phenomenon.

“The benefits of an African World Cup for the continent are well-documented.

What isn’t so clear is how Africans will be affected by the unsavoury elements the event will attract. Bearing this in mind, we need to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting the legacy of the 2010 Soccer World Cup,” commented Akon.

Cintron is one of the leading beverage brands in the United States and is using Akon’s 3 June to 8 June South Africa visit to build its brand awareness and identity in the local beverage market. The Trust is a South African initiative that aims to assist every charity that passes its stringent auditing and accountability checks by consolidating marketing efforts under one umbrella in order to boost fundraising ability.

According to Victor Edozien, CEO of Cintron Africa, Akon’s latest tour to South Africa vividly illustrates the kind of events Cintron Liquid Energy Presents. “We will continue to bring to this country. Cintron is especially pleased that Akon’s 2010 tour links into the anti-human trafficking message that has become so topical in the run-up to the World Cup.”

According to Victor Edozien, CEO of Cintron Africa, Akon’s latest tour to South Africa vividly illustrates the kind of events Cintron Liquid Energy Presents. “We will continue to bring to this country. Cintron is especially pleased that Akon’s 2010 tour links into the anti-human trafficking message that has become so topical in the run-up to the World Cup.”

“We plan on having more events where we bring a number of international artists who have a strong affinity or desire to perform in Africa, are advocates in the fight to stop Human Tracfficking, and we believe are in alignment with our long term branding positioning,” added Victor.

Tracey-Lee Cohen, Managing Trustee of The Trust, said: “Akon will be spending a large part of his time in South Africa touring partner charities of The Trust and drawing attention to the scourge of human trafficking which is unfortunately one of the negative spin-offs of a more visible South Africa.”

Children from The Trust partner charities, Child Welfare and Missing Children South Africa will get to meet their favourite artist on Saturday.